Rattled with India’s firm resolve to take decisive action against Pakistan, Imran Khan blustered against India in his first response after the Pulwama attacks and stated that Pakistan will retaliate in case of any military action taken against them. Further, offering for a probe in the terror attack, Pakistan PM urged India to share “actionable intelligence with Pakistan”.
Instead of condemning or owning up to the atrocious attack in Pulwama, Pakistan PM went in to defensive mode and stated, “Pakistan ko isse kya faayda hai? Kyu Pakistan karega iss stage ke upar jab Pakistan stability ki taraf ja raha hai? (What Pakistan will get out of it? Why Pakistan will do this especially at the time when Pakistan is moving toward stability?)”. It appeared that Imran Khan is acknowledging the ‘terror policy of Pakistan’ but denying the incentive ‘at this stage’. Former Cricketer seemed to be justifying previous attacks on the ground of ‘instability in Pakistan’.
Pakistan PM Imran Khan's statement on #Pulwama terrorist attack: Pakistan ko isse kya faayda hai? Kyu Pakistan karega iss stage ke upar jab Pakistan stability ki taraf ja raha hai? pic.twitter.com/Z1rdaIbTcJ
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019
Responding to India’s allegation regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the attack, Imran Khan said, “I am issuing the statement now because the Saudi crown prince was visiting the country. Would we do such an act when the Saudi crown prince was visiting? Would a fool even consider sabotaging the conference and what benefit would we get out if it?” However the whole episode looked like an act of sabotaging their involvement in the attack.
Stating that “we want stability in the region”, the Pakistani premier said, “If India has evidence, they should give it to us and we will take action.” The question that arises here is; had Pakistan done anything in past the against terrorist, when India shared information regarding 26/11 attack in Mumbai?
Former Cricketer went on to add, “It is in our interest that nobody from our soil spreads violence. I want to tell Indian govt. that we will take action if evidence is found against anyone from Pakistan”.
Pakistan PM Imran Khan's statement on #Pulwama terrorist attack: My statement is for the Indian government. You (Indian govt) have blamed the Pakistan government without any evidence. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/yOVFFamT28
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019
Imran Khan stated that he has come across calls for attack on Pakistan through Indian media and said, “If you (Indian govt.) think you will attack us and we will not think of retaliating, we will retaliate. We all know starting a war is in the hands of humans, where it will lead us only God knows. This issue should be solved through dialogue”.
Pakistan PM Imran Khan: If you (Indian govt) thinks you will attack us and we will not think of retaliating, we will retaliate. We all know starting a war is in the hands of humans, where it will lead us only God knows. This issue should be solved through dialogue. pic.twitter.com/kbyvmAiJgk
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019
According to sources, the Pakistan Premier has also decided to summon a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) on the issue. Pakistan’s leadership has strongly refuted the allegations.
Imran Khan’s response showed the desperation of Pakistan, as the Indian Government took various measures to sideline them internationally after the Pulwama attacks. Earlier in a press briefing, Indian Defense forces also took a firm stance on terrorism and added, “We are very clear that anyone who enters Kashmir will not go back alive”. The statement of Khan was nothing but an act of agony.
